Mitral valve dysplasia(MVD)
Also known as: Mitralklappendysplasie · Canine mitral valve dysplasia · Congenital mitral valve dysplasia · Mitralklappenfehlbildung
Overview
What it is
Mitral valve dysplasia is a congenital heart defect where the mitral valve, which acts as a one-way gate on the left side of the heart, does not form correctly. This malformation prevents the valve from closing tightly, allowing blood to leak backward instead of pumping efficiently to the body. Over time, this leakage strains the heart muscle, which can lead to heart enlargement and eventual heart failure.
How it presents
Symptoms usually appear in puppyhood or young dogs and include rapid fatigue during play, coughing, and shortness of breath. A veterinarian may also detect a heart murmur during a routine physical exam.
Treatment
This lifelong condition is not curable, but symptoms can be managed with daily heart medications and regular cardiac ultrasound check-ups. The expected lifetime treatment and monitoring costs range from ‐1,500 to ‐8,000.
How it's tested
Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie)(Herz-Echo)
Primary testCardiac examEchokardiographie zur Beurteilung von Herzklappen, -wänden, -funktion. Pflicht z.B. bei Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (MMVD).
Issuing body: vet
Result scheme: Cardiac-OFA
Affected breeds
13 of 13 breeds
Mandatory testBull Terrier
RecommendedBeagle
RecommendedBoston Terrier
RecommendedCairn Terrier
RecommendedCavalier King Charles Spaniel
RecommendedChihuahua
RecommendedContinental Toy Spaniel (Papillon)
RecommendedDachshund
RecommendedGreat Dane
RecommendedMiniature Pinscher
RecommendedMiniature Poodle
RecommendedPekingese
OptionalGerman Shepherd
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Mitral valve dysplasia?
Mitral valve dysplasia is a congenital heart defect where the mitral valve, which acts as a one-way gate on the left side of the heart, does not form correctly. This malformation prevents the valve from closing tightly, allowing blood to leak backward instead of pumping efficiently to the body. Over time, this leakage strains the heart muscle, which can lead to heart enlargement and eventual heart failure.
How is Mitral valve dysplasia tested?
Tests currently in our database: Herzultraschall (Echokardiographie).
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Bull Terrier, Beagle, Boston Terrier, Cairn Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Continental Toy Spaniel (Papillon), Dachshund.